Taylor’s engine is on another level - coach

Joe Taylor…super-fit for Friday night pro debut. Picture: Facebook

FOR prison officer Joe Taylor, the cuffs are off.

On Friday, the former Bulkington ABC boxer makes his pro debut on Scott Murray’s title bill at Sports Connexion, Coventry.

I’m intrigued by the four rounder. The super feather is a ticket-seller, although some fans will be unable to attend because of custodial sentences,  and, I’ve been assured, Joe’s a human buzzsaw in the ring.

When trainer Tom Powell says on the record, “he’s the fittest human being I’ve ever trained, he’s a different gravy”, you have to sit up and take notice.

In the opposite corner will be Worcester warrior Michael Mooney, a 41-year-old veteran of close to 150 bouts who I have nothing but respect for. Mooney, one of the game’s larger-than-life characters, has provided immense service and entertainment to the sport. He plays to the crowd and it’ll be interesting to see how Taylor reacts to showboating not seen in amateur rings.

As Powell put it: “Michael’s a good night’s work.”

The 23-year-old, from Hinckley, has turned over following a solid amateur career. After a handful of fights for Atherstone, he switched to Bulkington and had around 40 contests, winning 30. He’s honours include two elite Midlands titles and three box cup golds.

His engine is something else, Powell insists. “Joe could box 10-12 rounds tomorrow,” the coach said. “You have to train him hard to keep him content. He is in phenomenal shape, people can’t believe how shredded he is – he’s shredded from head to toe.

“He’s so disciplined. If I want him to train in a morning and train at night, he will do a five mile run in his lunchbreak. Joe’s a real special breed, he’s just cut differently. He’s not the most talented in the world, but he makes up for it with sheer hard work.”

Does his power match his pulse rate?

“He’s never been a one-punch knockout artist,” Tom admitted. “He got a fair few stoppages in the amateurs, but it was more a case of overwhelming them. The power will progress the more fights he has.”

On social media, Taylor said simply: The hard work has been put in, the life has been lived for years on end, now time to just put the finishing touches in and focus on business Friday.”